Page 35 of Betting on Lizzie

“You were. But everyone gets the first one free tonight. You should wait to cash in your chit.”

“Even better,” he said. He moved toward the bar, leaving her to watch him walk away.

Lucy took his spot and caught her staring. “Yum.”

Lizzie smacked her on the arm. “Shhh.”

“Ah-ha,” Lucy said, pointing a finger in Lizzie’s face. “I knew it.”

“Woman,” Lizzie said. “Do not say a word to anyone. Promise me.”

Lucy nodded but wouldn’t look her in the eye. Great. Jack would know within minutes, and the rest of the family by tomorrow. Just what she needed, more nitpicking into her love life.

Lizzie made the rounds, greeting the regulars she’d been serving for years, but also many new people. She had to ensure they came back and became repeat customers.

As soon as she could, she cornered Brett, one of her bartenders. He was the one she’d tapped to manage The Drop after The Tipsy Twist opened. After the fire, plans had changed, but he was still her go-to guy.

“Everything’s going great, Lizzie,” he said. “I can’t believe how many people showed up.”

“Glad to hear it,” she said. “’Cause I need you to run things tomorrow. Without me.”

“Already?” he said. “What if something goes wrong?”

“Call me. It’s not that different from the old place. You’ll be fine.”

Brett stood a little taller. “You’re right. I got this. What’s goin’ on?”

“Just somethin’ I gotta do. Right now, my grandma plans to treat us all to a banjo solo. Keep the drinks flowing. I need everyone nice and loose for whatever’s about to happen.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” He laughed and gave her a salute before getting back to work.

Nana had made her way to the small stage in the corner, an addition Adam had recommended in case they ever decided to have live music. She tapped the mic and cleared her throat. Everyone slowly turned toward her. Nana was so gregarious and loveable that Lizzie didn’t worry about people walking out or getting mad. As long as it was just one song. And as long as she didn’t sing. Tone deaf would not pair well with banjo rookie.

Once Nana got everyone’s attention and introduced herself, she shed her sparkly blue blazer, revealing a T-shirt that read, “I have no idea what I’m doing, and you can’t stop me.” Her hair was dark auburn—probably the closest thing to normal in years—and braided. She introduced herself and strummed out a painful yet heartfelt version of “Cotton-Eyed Joe.” The crowd cheered graciously and returned to what they were doing.

“Can’t say I’ve ever heard a banjo at a bar,” Ben said, coming up beside Lizzie.

“Nana’s on the batshit side of crazy,” Lizzie said with a smile.

“In a good way,” he said. “She seems fun.”

“Definitely full of surprises. You never know what she’s gonna do. Hey, you should pick her brain about hobbies. She’s tried just about anything you can think of.”

He chuckled. “Maybe I will.”

“She’ll have you square dancing or hang gliding in no time.”

Lucy stood a few feet away, and Lizzie could feel her begging to be invited over. She sent a “fine” off into the air, which Lucy caught immediately. Pushing her way through two people, she landed by Lizzie’s side in seconds.

“Lucy,” Lizzie said, knowing there was no sense fighting it. If she didn’t introduce them, Lucy would take it upon herself to do so. “This is Ben. The guy who accused me of starting the bar fire.”

Ben offered a hand. “Water under the bridge. Nice to meet you, Lucy. I can’t believe how alike you two look.”

Kate, Emma, and Daisy showed up within seconds, eager looks on their faces. So, Lucy had blabbed already. Of course.

“Please tell me Mom and Dad aren’t headed this way too,” Lizzie muttered.

Her sisters introduced themselves. Ben was easygoing and gracious about the ribbing he took for thinking Lizzie was an arsonist.

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